Bitstamp, the oldest cryptocurrency exchange, plans to roll out regulated crypto derivatives trading in Europe, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.
With a long-standing focus on compliance, Bitstamp is one of a select group of cryptocurrency trading platforms holding a license for Markets in Financial Instruments (MiFID), a pan-European regulatory framework for trading securities and securities. derivatives, which was amended in 2022 to encompass crypto assets.
“With its MiFID license in Europe, Bitstamp plans to launch a fully regulated perpetual exchange offering,” one of the people said.
The arrival of clearer regulation in Europe, as it relates to crypto and tokens, has led to the planned introduction of crypto derivatives trading by companies holding MiFID II licenses, such as Point72-backed D2X Ventures, and Backpack Exchange, which is in the process of acquiring the remains of FTX EU and its licenses.
The vast majority of crypto derivatives volume is offshore and the goal of these new entrants is to take market dominance away from the Panama-based centralized exchange, Deribit.
In June last year, it was announced that financial technology giant Robinhood would acquire Bitstamp, whose future looks bright not only in Europe but also in the United States, where it holds several licenses of State, including the coveted New York State BitLicense.
Bitstamp declined to comment as the plans are not yet public.
